Fostering Peace: The Art of Creative Communication

EU and UNDP Support Peace Initiatives by Local Community Organizations

September 21, 2023

The Art of Constructive Communication — Photo: UNDP Georgia/Leli Blagonravova

On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, celebrated worldwide on 21 September, the town of Gori witnessed a grassroots gathering that united diverse groups, including conflict-affected women, youth, internally displaced persons, and residents living near the Administrative Boundary Line with South Ossetia/Tskhinvali region.

This community event, aligning with the global Peace Day theme "Actions for Peace", was organised by the local women-led organization “Peace Research Centre Tbilisi”, committed to promoting a culture of peace, understanding, and respect for diversity. The celebration was supported by the European Union (EU) and UNDP, as part of the EU4Dialogue project.

The event emphasized the significance of constructive communication techniques to replace confrontational styles and foster empathy and compassion within and among communities affected by conflict. Participants engaged in a hands-on workshop where they honed their verbal and nonverbal communication skills, through tango dance moves, enhancing their capacity to navigate emotions and interpersonal interactions effectively, build understanding between people, and prevent conflicts from happening.

"On this International Day of Peace, we stand with those affected by conflict, striving for a peaceful future. We firmly believe that open and respectful communication can break down bias and stereotypes, fostering understanding between people."

Anna Chernyshova, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. in Georgia

The EU and UNDP, under the EU4Dialogue programme, work with over 20 Georgian civil society and community organizations aiming to bolster support for conflict-affected communities and foster social cohesion. Key initiatives include entrepreneurial training for rural women, support for youth groups and environmental activists, and facilitating community dialogues on peaceful conflict transformation, human rights, and equality.

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EU4Dialogue: Support to Conflict Transformation in the South Caucasus and the Republic of Moldova is a collaborative initiative between the EU and UNDP within the broader EU4Dialogue program. This initiative partners with local civil society organizations and grassroots groups to enhance socio-economic conditions, promote livelihoods, advance gender equality, encourage youth involvement, and facilitate the peaceful transformation of conflicts.

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Media contacts:

Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
Otar Kobakhidze, UNDP, +995 599 775879, otar.kobakhidze@undp.org
Tamar Mikadze, Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, +995322364364, tamriko.mikadze@eeas.europa.eu